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Trenton, NJ - The New Jersey Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission, a Division of the New Jersey Department of State, is hosting the "Martin Luther King, Jr. Youth Leadership Conference," on Thursday, March 20, 2008 at the New Jersey Institute for Technology, Secretary Nina Mitchell Wells announced today.
The second of three conferences to be held around the state, this initiative will engage students in a variety of educational workshops to help develop their leadership skills as well as inspire them to become the next generation of agents for social change and to explore higher education opportunities and career options, the Secretary said. "Our mission is to empower our youth to realize their potential, make positive life choices and embrace the ideals and philosophy of Dr. King to further advance his legacy of social justice for all Americans."
The conference will be held as
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Judith Fenelus, Executive Director of the New Jersey Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission, said the youth conference is just one of the many initiatives offered through the Division to help students make a difference in their lives, families, schools, and communities.
"Dr. King believed that education was the means through which we can change attitudes, and thereby change society," said Ms. Fenelus. "Today we invest in our youth to create a new generation of leaders that will carry the torch and light the path for equality, justice and excellence."
During the conference, 500 high school students will participate in a series of workshops focusing on leadership training, critical decision-making techniques, pre-college preparation, career planning, civic responsibility and self empowerment. Thomas Jackson, Esq., E.V.P., General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, Edison Schools, Inc. will serve as the guest speaker after the conference luncheon at 1:15 p.m. in the college gymnasium. Mr. Jackson has 20 years of legal and financial services expertise, serving as a senior corporate counsel at MetLife and as Chief Regulatory Counsel for Prudential Financial. Mr. Jackson is the former Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary for the GAB Robins Group of Companies, a group of private equity portfolio companies with operations in over 50 countries. As the chief legal officer, Mr. Jackson was responsible for managing global legal, regulatory, compliance and risk management activities of the firm. He also has experience negotiating and structuring complex financial instruments in excess of $400,000,000, and has completed numerous international acquisitions and divestitures.
The workshops will provide opportunities for teenagers to discuss relevant issues facing their generation, as well as methods for affecting significant changes in their communities. In addition, the students will receive information on pursuing their academic aspirations.
"This initiative is needed to help our young
people understand that they are not in this quest for success alone," said
Geraldine R. Clark, Chairwoman of the Martin Luther King, Jr.
Commemorative Commission. "There are many adults and other young people
who are willing to assist them. The conference will provide an opportunity
to obtain information about encouraging programs and meet positive role
models who can assist them with future endeavors."
The New Jersey Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemorative Commission, a division of the New Jersey Department of State, sponsors a wide array of educational and cultural programs, including the annual New Jersey Statewide King Holiday Commemorative Celebration and a traveling photo exhibit. The Commission also is committed to empowering New Jersey youth through scholarship, internship and violence free youth programs.
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